One way of altering the rules could see doctors’ hours spent on call at hospital rather than on duty counted differently to the hours spent treating patients.

It might also permit them to return from their breaks sooner than the law currently allows in cases where staff shortages are more severe.

John Black, the president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “There seems to be a general wind of change now that the strict 48-hour limit is not working, is bad for health services and has to be undone.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: “It is essential that the ability to opt-out of the 48-hour working week is retained, and that a workable solution is found.”